Kashgar（喀什）：Journey Through the Silk Road Heartland
Kashgar, located in the far west of China’s Xinjiang region, is a historic oasis city that has thrived for centuries along the ancient Silk Road. Its rich tourism appeal comes from a blend of Uyghur culture, vibrant bazaars, desert landscapes, and well-preserved architecture. The Old Town offers narrow alleys, traditional homes, and lively craft workshops that showcase authentic daily life. The famous Sunday Bazaar is one of Central Asia’s largest, where visitors can explore spices, carpets, and handmade goods. Nearby, the Id Kah Mosque stands as one of China’s most important Islamic landmarks. Beyond the city, travelers can journey to Karakul Lake along the Karakoram Highway, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and pristine highland scenery. Together, these cultural and natural attractions make Kashgar a unique destination that blends history, tradition, and breathtaking landscapes.
The places you absolutely must visit
Kashgar Old Town (喀什古城)
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Kashgar Old Town is the heart of the city’s history, culture, and everyday life. Walking through its maze-like alleys feels like stepping back hundreds of years, where traditional Uyghur homes, wooden balconies, and carved doors create a warm, lived-in atmosphere. The architecture blends earthen walls, delicate patterns, and open courtyards that reflect centuries of craftsmanship. Visitors can observe artisans producing copperware, musical instruments, and intricate textiles, all reflecting the Silk Road’s long legacy. The Old Town remains one of the best places to understand the cultural fabric of Xinjiang and the lifestyle shaped by its desert environment.
In addition to its visual charm, the area is alive with small bakeries, food stalls, and teahouses where locals gather. Fresh naan, kebabs, and traditional sweets fill the air with comforting scents. The Old Town also hosts cultural performances and festivals that highlight Uyghur music and dance. Its authenticity makes it more than a scenic district — it is a living community where heritage is preserved through everyday routines. For travelers seeking meaningful cultural immersion, Kashgar Old Town provides both depth and charm, offering a glimpse into centuries of tradition that continue to thrive.
Id Kah Mosque (艾提尕尔清真寺)
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Id Kah Mosque is one of the largest and most significant Islamic places of worship in China, standing at the center of Kashgar with its distinctive yellow façade and elegant minarets. Built more than 500 years ago, the mosque reflects Central Asian and Uyghur architectural styles, combining arched entrances, expansive courtyards, and serene prayer halls. Visitors can explore its quiet corners, richly patterned carpets, and historic inscriptions. The complex serves as both a religious sanctuary and an important cultural symbol representing the long Islamic heritage of the region.
Beyond its architectural beauty, Id Kah Mosque remains an active spiritual hub, especially on Fridays and during religious festivals when thousands of worshippers gather. The surrounding square becomes lively with local vendors, musicians, and families, creating a cultural atmosphere that blends devotion with everyday social life. The mosque also plays a key role in community education and traditions, making it a living institution rather than a static monument. For travelers, visiting Id Kah Mosque offers insight into the spiritual identity of Kashgar and the enduring traditions that shape Uyghur culture.
Apak Hoja Mausoleum / Xiangfei Tomb (香妃园)
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The Apak Hoja Mausoleum, also known as the Xiangfei Tomb, is one of Xinjiang’s most iconic architectural treasures. Built in the 17th century, it features a striking dome, elegant arches, and glazed tiles in shades of turquoise, green, and white. The mausoleum complex houses the tombs of the Hoja family, an important religious lineage, and its design reflects Islamic artistic traditions enriched by local craftsmanship. As visitors approach, the tall minarets and patterned walls create a sense of grandeur that contrasts with the surrounding landscape, making the site both spiritual and picturesque.
Inside the mausoleum grounds, visitors can explore gardens, courtyards, and exhibition areas that tell the story of the Hoja family and the famous “Fragrant Concubine,” whose legend gave the site its popular name. These stories blend history and folklore, adding emotional depth to the architectural beauty. The peaceful environment invites reflection, while the vibrant tilework showcases the region’s tradition of decorative art. For travelers who appreciate cultural heritage, the Apak Hoja Mausoleum offers a rich combination of history, artistry, and storytelling that captures the spiritual and aesthetic heart of Kashgar.
Gaotai Ancient Homes (高台民居)
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The Gaotai Ancient Homes represent one of Kashgar’s oldest residential districts, built on a raised platform overlooking the surrounding city. This unique location gives the neighborhood its distinctive layered layout, with mud-brick houses arranged along steep paths and interconnected terraces. Many of these homes have stood for centuries, blending traditional Uyghur construction methods with elements adapted to the desert climate. Narrow walkways wind through the area, offering views of wooden balconies, open courtyards, and everyday life unfolding in a place where heritage and habitation coexist naturally.
Walking through Gaotai is like entering an open-air museum filled with living history. Families continue to reside here, preserving traditional customs, home layouts, and community routines. Visitors often meet artisans who create pottery, textiles, and household goods using techniques passed down for generations. The elevated viewpoints provide sweeping vistas of Kashgar’s mix of old and new architecture. For travelers interested in cultural authenticity and the relationship between people and place, the Gaotai Ancient Homes offer a vivid and intimate experience that illustrates Kashgar’s enduring identity.
Kashgar Grand Bazaar (喀什大巴扎)
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The Kashgar Grand Bazaar is one of Central Asia’s most vibrant and historically significant markets, offering a sensory journey through the cultures shaped by the Silk Road. Covering a vast area, the bazaar is organized into sections dedicated to spices, textiles, handicrafts, dried fruits, jewelry, and traditional musical instruments. It is a place where merchants have traded for centuries, and its lively atmosphere reflects the long-standing traditions of commerce in the region. Colors, fragrances, and sounds blend together as shoppers bargain and artisans demonstrate their skills.
Beyond its commercial charm, the Grand Bazaar provides an authentic window into Uyghur daily life and regional diversity. Visitors can sample local specialties such as dried figs, roasted nuts, and handmade sweets, or watch craftspeople create carpets, metalwork, and delicate embroidery. The bazaar is also a social gathering place where people meet friends, drink tea, and exchange news. For travelers, the Kashgar Grand Bazaar is not only a destination for shopping but also a cultural experience that captures the dynamic spirit of this ancient Silk Road city.
Kashgar Cuisine
Kashgar’s cuisine reflects the rich cultural traditions of the Uyghur people and the city’s long history on the Silk Road. Its food is hearty, flavorful, and shaped by local ingredients such as lamb, wheat, cumin, yogurt, and fresh vegetables from oasis farms. Grilling and baking are central cooking methods, giving Kashgar dishes their smoky aroma and rustic character. Markets and street stalls offer skewers, bread, pilaf, noodles, and pastries freshly prepared throughout the day. Meals emphasize balance: meat for strength, grains for energy, and fruits for natural sweetness. Whether enjoyed at a bustling bazaar or a family-run teahouse, Kashgar cuisine showcases warmth, hospitality, and the deep connection between food and everyday life.
Red Willow Lamb Kebab (红柳烤肉)
Red willow lamb kebabs are one of Kashgar’s most iconic street foods. Fresh lamb is cut into cubes, seasoned simply with salt and cumin, then skewered onto branches of red willow, which add a subtle natural aroma during grilling. The kebabs are roasted over charcoal until the edges are crisp and the inside remains tender and juicy. The slight smokiness from the willow wood distinguishes them from ordinary kebabs. People often enjoy them with naan and tea, making them a favorite snack at night markets and bazaars. The flavor captures Kashgar’s love for grilled, aromatic, and satisfying food.
Baked Buns (烤包子)
Kashgar baked buns are small, fragrant pastries filled with minced lamb, onions, and spices. The dough is shaped into round pockets, brushed with oil, and placed inside a clay-lined oven similar to a tandoor. As they bake, the outer shell becomes golden and crisp while the inside stays tender and juicy. The combination of lamb fat, caramelized onions, and cumin creates a rich, comforting aroma. These buns are popular as a quick snack or light meal and are often sold in roadside stalls. Their balance of texture and flavor makes them one of Kashgar’s most beloved traditional treats.
Polu / Pilaf (手抓饭)
Kashgar’s hand-grabbed rice, known as polu, is a colorful and aromatic pilaf made with long-grain rice, carrots, onions, and tender lamb. The ingredients are slowly cooked together so the rice absorbs the sweetness of carrots and the richness of lamb fat. The dish is typically served in generous portions and garnished with raisins or chickpeas for added texture. Traditionally, people eat it with their hands during family gatherings or celebrations, highlighting its cultural significance. Polu embodies warmth, hospitality, and the importance of shared meals in Uyghur culture, making it one of Kashgar’s most essential dishes.
Stewed Lamb in Clay Pot (缸子肉)
Gāngzi ròu is a traditional Kashgar stew made by slow-cooking lamb inside a tall clay jar. The sealed pot traps heat and moisture, allowing the meat to become incredibly tender while preserving its natural flavor. Only simple seasonings—like salt, pepper, and a few local herbs—are added to highlight the purity of the lamb. The broth becomes rich and comforting, perfect for cold desert evenings. Served with naan or rice, this dish represents the region’s rustic cooking methods and reliance on high-quality meat. It remains a favorite in family kitchens and old-style restaurants throughout Kashgar.
Hand-Pulled Noodles (拉条子)
Kashgar’s hand-pulled noodles, or latiaozi, are a staple of everyday meals. The noodles are stretched by hand into long, chewy strands, then served with stir-fried lamb, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and fragrant spices. The sauce is slightly oily, rich, and full of savory flavor, coating each noodle perfectly. This dish reflects the region’s wheat-based culinary tradition and the Uyghur talent for transforming simple ingredients into comforting, flavorful meals. Latiaozi is widely enjoyed in home kitchens and small noodle shops, making it an essential taste of Kashgar’s daily life and culinary heritage.
Best Time to Visit Kashgar
The best seasons to visit Kashgar are spring and autumn, when the weather is mild, comfortable, and ideal for exploring both the city and its surrounding landscapes. From April to June, temperatures rise gradually, the air is clear, and the markets come alive with fresh fruits and vibrant outdoor activity. It is a perfect time to walk through the Old Town, visit historical sites, and enjoy outdoor dining.
Autumn, from September to October, is considered the most beautiful period of the year. The heat of summer fades, skies are bright, and the nearby mountains and grasslands offer stunning scenery. This season also brings the harvest, filling bazaars with grapes, pomegranates, and melons. With pleasant temperatures and rich cultural events, autumn provides the most enjoyable and colorful travel experience in Kashgar
Transportation in Kashgar
Kashgar’s transportation system is convenient for travelers, with options ranging from public buses and taxis to private cars. Within the city, most major attractions—such as the Old Town, Id Kah Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, and Gaotai Ancient Homes—are located close to each other, making it easy to travel by taxi or even on foot. Taxis are inexpensive, widely available, and suitable for short urban trips.
For attractions outside the city, such as the Apak Hoja Mausoleum or destinations along the Karakoram Highway, travelers often choose private cars or ride-hailing services. Car rental is available at the airport and in the city, offering both self-drive and chauffeur options. However, because of local road regulations and long-distance routes through mountainous areas, many visitors prefer renting a car with a driver for safety and convenience. Overall, transportation in Kashgar is traveler-friendly and flexible.
A 4-Day Travel Itinerary
Day 1: Kashgar Old Town & Gaotai Ancient Homes
Begin your trip by exploring Kashgar Old Town（喀什古城）, the cultural heart of the city. Walk through narrow alleys, visit craft workshops, and observe traditional Uyghur architecture. Enjoy local snacks such as naan, kebabs, and sweet pastries along the way. In the afternoon, head to Gaotai Ancient Homes（高台民居）, a historic residential area built on high terraces. The elevated viewpoints offer excellent city panoramas, and you can meet local families and artisans who still preserve centuries-old building traditions. In the evening, return to the city center for a relaxed dinner in the Old Town.
Day 2: Id Kah Mosque & Kashgar Grand Bazaar
Start the day at Id Kah Mosque（艾提尕尔清真寺）, one of the most important Islamic landmarks in China. Explore its courtyards, prayer halls, and surrounding square to experience the city’s religious and cultural atmosphere. After lunch, visit the Kashgar Grand Bazaar（喀什大巴扎）, the largest market in the region. Wander through stalls selling spices, textiles, carpets, musical instruments, and fresh produce. This is the perfect place to shop for souvenirs and taste authentic local snacks. End the day with a casual walk around the lively evening markets.
Day 3: Apak Hoja Mausoleum (Xiangfei Tomb) & Suburban Exploration
Visit the Apak Hoja Mausoleum（香妃园） in the morning to appreciate its turquoise tiles, historic domes, and peaceful gardens. Learn about the Hoja family and the legend of the Fragrant Concubine while exploring the halls and courtyards. Afterward, take a short suburban trip to visit local farmland villages or handicraft centers, where traditional pottery, copperware, and textiles are made. This offers an intimate look at Uyghur rural culture. Return to Kashgar in the late afternoon for a quiet evening or a traditional Uyghur dinner.
Day 4: Karakoram Highway Day Trip (Optional)
If you choose a four-day itinerary, reserve the last day for a journey along the Karakoram Highway, one of the world’s most scenic routes. Travel toward Karakul Lake, where snow-capped peaks, grasslands, and crystal-clear water create unforgettable views. Along the way, stop at local villages to experience Kyrgyz culture and mountain life. The full-day trip offers dramatic landscapes that contrast beautifully with Kashgar’s desert architecture. Return to the city in the evening for a relaxing final night.
Traveling in Kashgar offers an unforgettable blend of ancient culture, vibrant bazaars, and breathtaking landscapes shaped by centuries along the Silk Road.
